On Tuesday April 1st, Greece announced legislative changes that would prohibit surrogacy for gay couples and single men. Justice Minister, Giorgos Floridis, says the proposed change is meant to legally define what it means to be unable to carry a pregnancy.

“We are now clarifying unequivocally that the concept of inability to carry a pregnancy does not refer to an inability arising from one’s gender,” said Floridis.

For more information on this law, you can read the full news article on AP.

Recent surrogacy restrictions in parts of Europe have raised concerns about whether this trend will continue across other countries in this region.

What Greece’s Surrogacy Restrictions Mean for Intended Parents

Greece’s new surrogacy law will prohibit single men and men in same-sex relationships from having a child via surrogacy.

As Greece’s decision to restrict surrogacy unfolds, it raises questions about whether this decision will influence the legislative direction of neighboring countries or those with similar cultural and legal frameworks.

This shift could lead to other European nations considering similar laws or restrictions.

As a result, it’s important for prospective parents to stay informed about the legal landscapes across Europe, as changes in one country may have broader implications for surrogacy availability and access across the region.

Will Surrogacy in Cyprus be Affected?

While Cyprus has not enacted a similar ban on surrogacy, the proximity and close cultural ties of the two nations have led to questions about whether Cyprus could impose similar restrictions.

For now, Cyprus remains an available surrogacy destination. Countries like Cyprus may feel pressure to adopt more restrictive policies, especially if other nations in Europe continue to tighten their surrogacy laws.

Domestic Surrogacy and International Legal Shifts: How U.S. Legal Frameworks Operate

Surrogacy rules across the United States operate through state-level statutory frameworks for single individuals, heterosexual couples, and LGBT parents.

While some foreign nations have expanded family-building options, international surrogacy laws present varying regulatory conditions.

For example, in October 2024, Italy passed Law No. 169/2024, expanding its existing surrogacy prohibitions under Law No. 40/2004 to criminalize citizens who pursue surrogacy abroad.

Citizens who engage in international surrogacy under this statute face potential fines up to €1 million and prison sentences up to two years.

In gestational-friendly U.S. states, statutory processes allow state courts to establish legal parentage.

These legal steps determine parental rights through court orders—often issued prior to delivery—under established state laws.

The Hidden Risks of Surrogacy Abroad for U.S. Intended Parents

Some U.S. intended parents evaluate international surrogacy options for lower initial costs or faster timelines.

Lower initial costs abroad often stem from different regulatory standards and candidate screening protocols.

When foreign programs utilize different medical, psychological, or background screening requirements, match disruptions or medical failures can occur.

Foreign statutory changes can also lead to travel delays or complications when establishing legal parentage upon returning to the United States.

What appears to be a lower upfront cost overseas can result in additional expenses from legal fees, repeat medical cycles, or unexpected travel extended over time.

How American Surrogacy Protects Intended Parents Through Domestic Surrogacy

American Surrogacy focuses strictly on domestic surrogacy to support your emotional and financial investment at every step.

Here is how our domestic agency supports your path to parenthood:

• Financial Protection: Our Limited Risk Program waives repeat agency and case management fees if an unexpected match disruption or medical setback occurs.
• Pre-Screened Matches: We evaluate surrogate candidates through background checks, medical history reviews, and psychological evaluations prior to matching. This supports an average match time of 1–6 months while reducing clinic rejections.
• Legal Processes: State statutory frameworks allow independent legal counsel to establish your legal parental rights—often prior to birth—while adhering to established medical and ethical standards.

Choosing Your Path to Parenthood

International surrogacy laws present changing conditions for growing families. Choosing a U.S. domestic journey ensures your legal parentage is handled under established state legal frameworks.

Speak with a surrogacy specialist today to learn how our U.S. domestic programs protect your financial investment and guide your legal parentage process.